Hi Todd,
I'm so excited for you! You are going to have a magical first trip to Disney World! While you are a little behind in making Advanced Dining Reservations, don't give up yet. You'll want to call 407-WDW-DINE right away. Give them your travel dates and ask them to check availability on each day for you. Flexibility is key when trying to score a reservation. Here is the order that I recommend you have them look:
1)
Chef Mickey's - You can see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Pluto
2)
Donald's Safari Breakfast - See Donald, Daisy, Mickey and Goofy. This is a great way to start an Animal Kingdom day.
3) I'm not sure if you have daughters or not. If so, you may want to dine with the Princesses. Try for Cinderella's Royal Table, Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
or Cinderella's Happily Ever After Dinner at 1900 Park Fare.
4) Crystal Palace - See Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore.
5) Cape May Cafe' for breakfast- Goofy, Minnie and more.
6) Supercalifragilistic Breakfast - Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter and Wonderland friends.
7) Playhouse Disney -
(breakfast or lunch) Leo, June, Handy Manny, Agent Oso.
If you aren't successful with any of these, keep trying. People cancel sometimes. In addition, you can always see characters in the parks. Pick up a Times Guide in each park. Specific character meet and greet times and locations are listed on there.
Please let me know if I can assist you further,
Kaylene